Novak Djokovic apologises for 'meltdowns' after breaking Roger Federer record in fourth-round win at Wimbledon

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Despite progressing to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon and breaking a tournament record he shared with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic cut a frustrated figure during his fourth-round win over qualifier Roman Safiullin.

Highlights: Djokovic and Sinner power on, Sabalenka stunned by Osaka

Video credit: SNTV

The 24-time Grand Slam champion prevailed 7-6(6) 6-3 3-6 6-3 in three hours and 26 minutes but it was far from plain sailing.

Djokovic trailed 5-2 in the opener and had to save two set points before pinching it in a tie-break and gestured his displeasure on several occasions throughout the match.

He was issued with a warning by the umpire for one of his outbursts and was later booed by the Centre Court crowd after smashing a ball away in frustration. He was, however, able to find a way to get over the line and book his spot in a 66th Grand Slam quarter-final.

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”I'm known for my outbursts and meltdowns,” Djokovic said in his post-match interview. ”I had a few of those today, so I apologise.”

As well as advancing to the last eight of another major tournament, Djokovic also set the all-time record for most men’s singles match wins at Wimbledon.

The 39-year-old equalled the record Roger Federer held when he blitzed through the third round but his 106th win at the iconic venue on Sunday afternoon means he now stands alone, ahead of his great rival.

Speaking at his press conference later, the 39-year-old said achieving that feat had not been high on his list of priorities.

"I haven't thought about it. I didn't even know about it until after the last match win," Djokovic said. "That's really quite ⁠insignificant to me at the moment."

He will surely now have his sights on Federer’s record eight titles at Wimbledon.

Unusually, Djokovic claimed he felt second best against Safiullin from the back of the court but he was pleased he still managed to find a way to come through the tricky encounter.

”Another hard-fought win,” Djokovic added. ”Roman started very well. He was very aggressive so I didn't maybe feel as comfortable from the back of the court.

”I knew it was going to be a challenge staying in the rallies with him, particularly from the end where we were playing against the wind for pretty much the whole match. He is a very solid player, I respect him a lot, I've played him on different surfaces but never on grass.

”He's had some great wins this week, I wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season. He should be proud of his performance today.

”I don't get to feel inferior from the back of the court against too many players throughout my career, if I'm totally honest. Today, it was one of those days when I didn't want to stay in the rallies too long, to be honest, so I had to mix things up. It worked in some moments and in others it didn't.

”In the end, I managed to find the accuracy and precision on my first serve, which really got me out of trouble in the fourth set.”

Djokovic takes no enjoyment after 'ugly' win

Djokovic said he was far from satisfied with his performance, describing the victory as "ugly" despite getting the job done.

The seven-time champion was pushed hard by the world No. 132 on Centre Court, saving set points before edging a gruelling opening-set tie-break and eventually prevailing in four sets.

Highlights: Djokovic, Sinner and Sabalenka advance to the fourth round

Video credit: SNTV

While the result extended his run at the All England Club, Djokovic conceded he never found the level of tennis he expects from himself.

”I struggled to find the game, the desired level I'm looking for, that I had, I think, in the second round,” Djokovic continued during his press conference. "To be honest, I haven't felt really great on the court, so I was relieved to get out of it and get a win.

"Satisfaction and enjoyment weren't part of today's win. Of course, I'm relieved and happy to win it, but I haven't enjoyed it. Hopefully, the next match will be better in that sense. But a win is a win, even if you win ugly. Hopefully, I can build from this."

The Serbian credited Safiullin’s pressure for disrupting his rhythm but insisted difficult victories are often part of a successful Grand Slam campaign.

"I've been fortunate to play many matches at the highest stage of Grand Slams. My memory is not really good these days. I'm trying to think about which Grand Slams I had similar experience and then ended up winning.

"There's been more than a few where you go through a difficult match or two at least on your path to win a championship.

”I'm a perfectionist at the core. I always want the best game, the best performance for myself and for others and for the crowd.

”It's not always possible, and sometimes it's hard for me to accept that and deal with it.”

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